Calls A Graveyard

far away in southern Devon

as the crow flies to the sea

where white crested waves are rolling

where green hills are rising gently

where thick red clay cakes the wet boot

in a graveyard lies my father

with a wish to speak to me

"close your eyes your heart will guide you

do not pine for long lost loved ones

do not wish me back to find you

with your grey eyes sadly misted

in a world i don't remember

nurture all who struggle daily

in your living family

stand beside your little sister

as you did when you were children

when her tears spilled out in sorrow

when her knees were grazed and bleeding

take her hand and lead her forward

through her darkest days of grieving

serving her, you do so me"

Reviews

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, this is, you've heard it before, such a heartfelt write. This is a poem that so easily moves the reader. An emotional write that stirs the emotions in the reader's heart. My mum and dad are both gone now and I miss them every day. They are still with me. Your wonderful poem touched me. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mike, I appreciate your thoughful review. Many thank yous for stopping by.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

You are always welcome, Chris. Have a wonderful evening. Hugs....Mike.

[lightsong]

Dearest Chris,

what can I tell You when each sentence You've poured from your heart as if it's my own. my father's crave is far, my father passed away suddenly from brain attack on 12.Nov.2008, he left a weight on my shoulders, since I was always the one with enough awareness, I held responsiblity of my younger brother and more for my older sister, but not in the terms that people may understand, it's more of a non physical responsiblity, my "mother", well I don't want to speak of her but let us say she has no heart of a mother, our relationship with her was always very bad, recently I had to make a very tough decision, l prayed that I didn't make the wrong one because it appears that I'm harsh, but truth, I knew I must make it because things must stop going in a wrong way. one thing many don't understand, when someone takes such decision while others may get hurt, they are hurting twice inside, as they see the whole picture, and they take their own pain and the pain of their loved ones.

I'm sorry I talked a lot, but You touched me deep, I pray for Your strength so You can give your beloved sister her needed solace now. Bless You dear Chris, I'm sure your father is so proud of You.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear lightsong, thank you for sharing with me. I am touched that you were able to do so. Thank you fir your very kind words. I am doing my best to support my sister in the early days of her grieving.

Chris

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

with your grey eyes sadly misted
in a world i don't remember

This felt so so surreal. Sad and profound. He is so far away and yet so near. He is speaking through these lines, through you, dear Chris! Such is a love that encompasses all realms! No distance, however remote can keep it away.
Your pen has magic, my friend. You moved me to tears. Stay blessed.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ditzy. Your reviews always lift me. Even in these sad times. Treats for you dear Kat......

Chris

[Eilis]

So different to what I expected, and that is perhaps the best thing I could find at the moment. The reminder to grieve but not be overcome—to remember but not be pure memorial—this is such a valuable counterpoint to the impulse to let the grief become part of who we are. Perhaps even remake us.

What I love about your poems is the way you speak to things in this pure and human way. Things we all understand and have experienced but with the lyricism to offer a great weight to the human experience. We are all trodding through same road. I believe the dead do understand. And I believe, also, they continue to be a presence. Your poem is beautiful and poignant, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

I am delighted Eilis to find a review from you. I do hope you are managing in these awful covid days. Such sad times we are living through. Your lovely response has touched me. Take good care.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

Calls a Graveyard
I picture a fine mist
with a hint of sun
peeping thru; as
you hear his voice
calling.

his message clearly
defined in whispering
detail .'grieve no more
be among the living
and the giving thereof'

a beautifully
penned piece here;

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fran Marie for your encouraging response. Take care and keep safe.

Chris

[Subh nitya]

I was missing my dad currently ,was scrolling down and suddenly found your poem . I can totally relate to this poem. It seems like my father's meassge reached to me through your poem.It is written so beautifully .I loved it.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Subh nitya, so sorry you miss your Dad so much. I really appreciate your visit and the fact that you relate to my words. Thank you.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Oh I just love the message in this write Christine! (nurture all who struggle daily
in your living family) I have been guilty of "grieving" so much for my son that at times I have not "given" of myself to my living family. You have gently brought this message to all who grieve. Thank you! ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sharon, losing your son you had a mountain grief to contend to. I am so sorry for his loss and the pain you have to endure. Thank you for your nice comments on my poem..

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

There is always that sensation that our departed loved ones "speak" to us ... I am a firm believer that they do pop in now and then to see how we're doing and just to put a hand on our shoulder to let us know things are OK and offer a little bit of advice on helping others who need it.
My dad has been gone 56 years and yet he still has a seat at the back of my thoughts ... now and then he steps up to give me a slap and say 'get on with it' you'll be alright.

Thanks for this one Chris it says a lot about how those who have left will never be gone.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ted. You know it is a great source of comfort when I feel my Dad is still planting thoughts in my mind. As long as he can do that, then I won't feel as though he's completely gone. Hope you are OK. Covid situation awful here, but my husband and I will have our vacs on Saturday. Earlier than expected. The roll out is going well which it needs too. The death rate is horrendous. Take great care.

Chris

[darshu]

Words that directly touch heart...great poem Chris ma'am 🙏

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you darshu. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Fairy Khan]

I am really touched, wonderfully written.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Fairy. Hope you are well. All good wishes.

Chris